Iran strongly condemns the recent United States-led military attacks within Iraq and Syria, deeming them a “strategic error” that exacerbates tensions in an already volatile Middle East, intensified by Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The US initiated a series of airstrikes against Iranian-backed fighters in the aforementioned countries in response to a drone attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, asserted in a statement on Saturday that the US attacks represent a blatant “violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, international law, and a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.” The statement went on to assert that these actions align with the objectives of the Zionist regime, linking the attacks to the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Iran contends that such engagements deepen the US government’s entanglement in the region, diverting attention from Israel’s alleged transgressions.
Expressing concern for regional and international peace, the statement urged the United Nations Security Council and the global community to prevent further escalation of the crisis. It emphasized that the roots of the prevailing tension trace back to the Israeli occupation and its military operations in Gaza, accusing the US of providing unwavering support to these actions.
Iraq displayed its reservations
Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi reiterated the country’s refusal to serve as a battleground for settling scores between external parties. He emphasized that the presence of the international coalition has deviated from its assigned tasks, jeopardizing Iraq’s security and stability and embroiling it in regional conflicts. Al-Awadi emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its land and citizens while accusing the US of misleading the public by claiming prior consultations before the attacks.
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The broader context reveals the US military presence with bases across the Middle East, totaling approximately 30,000 soldiers. Amidst the ongoing Gaza war, the US has temporarily deployed additional troops to the region, including on warships. Despite the recent strikes, the US appears to have refrained from directly targeting Iran or its senior military leaders within its borders. Iran has consistently denied involvement in the Jordan attack that triggered the US response.